Know the locations of water shut offs:

• Water Meter: Usually near the curb in a concrete or plastic box labeled “WATER”. As a precaution have a water meter key and know how to use it. They are available at most hardware stores. Have the emergency number for your water company at hand.
• Main Service: Where the water pipe enters the house. This can be a gate valve or a ball valve. Test the valve at least twice a year. If the valve does not turn easily, give us a call, we can replace it with a new full port ball valve for ease of use.
• Irrigation: Your sprinkler system should have a separate shut off valve. This allows the shut down of water to sprinklers in an emergency or for service. A separate valve means you won’t be without water inside when a problem occurs outside.
• Water Heater: There should be a gate or ball valve on the cold water pipe feeding the heater. This will allow you to turn off the water to a leaking heater and still have cold water in the house. Test this valve yearly.
• Toilets: Look for a valve below the tank on normally on the left side. Usually an oval handle. Turn clockwise to shut off water.
• Sinks: These shut off valves are normally just below the sink either coming out of the wall or inside a cabinet or vanity.
• Washer: Shut offs are where the hoses meet the supply lines. Washer hoses are a weak link. Turn off the valves when you are away. Give us a call to install no burst hoses.

Keep an eye on your water bill. If your usage increases without more demand, then you may have a leak. Always remember, small leaks usually turn into big ones.

Know the location of your main line sewer cleanout
If you do not have a clean out it is a wise investment to have one installed. Have a wrench on hand to remove the cleanout cap. This will put the sewer backup mess outside as opposed to inside your home.

Know the location of your gas meter
Locate your meter and the gas shut off valve in the pipe before your meter. Have a wrench on hand to shut off the gas valve. It is a good idea to attach the wrench right at the meter so it is available in an emergency. Automatic gas shut off valves are a great idea and can offer peace of mind in an earthquake. Check our web site for more information or give us a call we would be happy to assist you.

SOME HELPFUL HINTS

• In the bathroom
• Once a week run hot water in each drain to keep it flowing
• Tubs and showers should have strainers at the drain to catch hair and soap
• Clean the strainers regularly
• Have dripping faucets and running toilets repaired ASAP. Either one can waste as much as 150 gallons of water per day.
• Remove mineral deposits with vinegar. Take a plastic bag filled with a cup of vinegar and place it over your showerhead, hold it in place with a twist tie or rubber band. Let it soak overnight, remove and wipe off minerals with a damp cloth.
• Test a toilet for leaks
• Test the flush valve by adding a few drops of food coloring to the water in the tank. Wait 30 minutes and look at the water in the bowl. If the water has changed color, the ball or flapper needs to be replaced. If water is running into the overflow tube, adjust water level to about 1 inch below the top of the tube.
• Garbage Disposer
• Never put hard to grind, stringy or fibrous materials into the disposer
• Run cold water for 15 seconds after shutting off disposer to rinse and flush
• Do not pour grease down the disposer. Wipe grease with a paper towel and throw into trash.
• Clean your disposer. Grind a few ice cubes or lemon rinds for about 30 seconds. While disposer is still running add a small amount of liquid dishwashing soap to it, continue to run cold water for 30 seconds and then turn off disposer.
• If your disposer stops suddenly- turn off power to disposer. Do not put hands into disposer. Press reset switch at bottom of disposer. Restart disposer.